Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route around the park on the perimeter path, surveying all habitats. A few fishermen, construction workers and maintenance personnel were present during the survey; conditions were fair (windward west side) to good (leeward east side) for identifying bird vocalizations. Most domestic waterbirds and many native species were found on or near the south shore adjacent to the parking lot. Continuing rarities were: Snow Goose (1), Ross's Goose (1) and Greater White-fronted Goose (1).

Area Covered: We walked a counter-clockwise route around the park, surveying lawns, Aleppo Pines, shoreline, open water and adjacent fields of Atriplex scrubland. A few depressions in adjacent fields held water, especially near Fox Field on the north side of the park. About 50 people were in the park, fishing, walking and involved with construction and maintenance. Conditions were good for identifying bird vocalizations. Birds of seasonal/distributional interest found today included, Snow Goose (1 imm), Common Merganser (2 f), Hooded Merganser (m,f), Turkey Vulture (7) and Red-breasted Nuthatch (2), and two rare subspecies (continuing at AP) of Dark-eyed Junco (hyemalis and mearnsi).

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 45 two or three flocks foraging on lawns, swimming, flying over adjacent fields.

Greater White-fronted Goose 1 (ad) continuing with domestic geese.

Ross' Goose 1 (ad) continuing with domestic geese.

Snow Goose 1 (imm) continuing with CAGO, in water and on shore (photo).

Great-tailed Grackle 2 (m,f) on ground and in pines around parking area; calls and song, s.

House Sparrow 10 (m,f) on ground around parking area and buildings; calls, s and n.

JANUARY 6, 2011 Apollo Park (35 Species)

Weather: Partly cloudy; 32F; no wind.

Time: 0830 - 1000 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route around the entire park, including the interior sections, using a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera. The parking area was sectioned off due to construction. Relatively few people were in the park during the survey and the quiet conditions (except for air traffic at Fox Field) were good for identifying bird vocalizations. A woman with a large plastic bag of bread arrived about 0950 hrs and fed a large, noisy flock of ducks and geese at the main beach. Signs around the park announce that Apollo Park is a "Nature Sanctuary". and among several posted rules is the statement "No Feeding the Animals." I have never seen this law enforced at Apollo Park (or any other LA County Park, for that matter).

The northeast lake and islands of Apollo Park, January 6, 2011. L to R: Common Merganser, American Coot and Double-crested Cormorant.

Area Covered: I walked around the park twice, first counter-clockwise, then clockwise, surveying all habitats with a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera. Workers using heavy machinery were digging in the the southwest corner of the park. Otherwise, only a few fishermen and other visitors were present in the park during the survey. Conditions ranged from poor to fair for identifying bird vocalizations. Birds of seasonal/distributional significance noted were: Hooded Merganser (7), Herring Gull (2) and two relatively uncommon subspecies of Dark-eyed Junco: Junco h. mearnsi and J. h. hyemalis - photos).

Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise and diagonal route around the perimeter and through the interior of the park, surveying all habitats (see previous notes for habitat descriptions), using a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera. Several walkers and joggers were in the park during the survey; about five fishermen. Conditions were excellent for identifying bird vocalizations. Noteworthy birds found this morning included, Hooded Merganser (1) and Pink-sided Junco (3). Additionally, a relatively large number of Canada Goose (80) was found in the park, possibly representing distinct sub-populations of seasonal migrants.

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 80 at least 3 cohesive flocks of 12-25 birds; one group appeared aggressive (chasing with vocalizations) toward an indivual CAGO foraging on the lawn; the individual goose that was challenged was intially at the leading edge of the flock and quickly moved away from the other geese as they lowered their heads toward the intruder, vocalizing loudly for about 30 seconds.

Area Covered: I walked around the park twice in a clockwise direction, including through the central section. I surveyed lawns, pines, shorelines, islands, open water and adjacent saltbush scrub. Maintenance crews were busy landscaping and working on buildings. The park is scheduled to be closed from 3PM today until November 1 for maintenance. Except for lawn mowers, leaf-blowers and traffic (sheriff's patrols and maintenance vehicles) conditions were fair for identifying bird vocalizations. Noteworthy birds found today included Cackling Goose (banded), Burrowing Owl (off-site) and Red-breasted Nuthatch.

BIRDS NOTED

Cackling Goose 1 ( with aluminum band on left tarsus, blue plastic band on neck # V18). staying fairly close to CAGO; foraging on lawn; swimming near shore (photos). More wary on land than in water. Subsequently, I received notification from the National North American Bird Banding Project (Canadian Wildlife Service), that this bird (# 1847-91139) was banded by CDFG biologist Dan Parraguire near Manteca (Stanislaus County), CA, December 19, 2007 as a HYF.

Burrowing Owl 1 sunning itself beneath embankment on the east side of 50th St. West near the northeast corner of 50th Street West and Avenue G. Allowed my approach to within about 50 ft., then flew southwest about 200 ft. to raised hummock in saltbush scrub (photo).

Area Covered: I walked the perimeter and middle of the park in both directions, surveying all habitats (including adjacent flooded fields), using a 10x42 binocular. Foot traffic relatively light; maintenance crews working in south parking lot and north playground. Noisy aircraft at Fox Field. Conditions were generally good for identifying bird vocalizations. Unusual birds found today included, Red-breastedNuthatch, Purple Finch and Pink-sided Junco.

Area Covered: We walked a clockwise route around the park, following the perimeter fence lines. Habitats surveyed included shoreline, open water, Aleppo pines, lawns, Salt Cedar (adjacent property along the W, N and E fence lines), and a few ornamental deciduous trees. Increasing numbers of visitors (including those with leashed dogs) arrived at the park near the end of our survey. Except for the sudden onset of sprinklers along the northern fence line and park maintenance personnel riding around in ATV's, conditions were good for finding migrants in the trees and identifying vocalizations.

Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route from the main parking lot to the northwest corner, then returned via the central route. Heavy machinery was being used outside the western fence line; power edgers in the east. Conditions were poor to fair for finding birds due to noisy machinery and increasing winds.

House Sparrow 60 feeding on the ground throughout the park, especially in the parking lot.

SEPTEMBER 2, 2010 (29 Species)

Weather: Fair, 61F-78F; winds WSW 0-1 mph.

Time: 0725-0850 hrs.

Area Covered: From the parking lot (S) I walked a clockwise route around the entire park, then through the middle section, surveying lawns, Aleppo Pines, ornamental deciduous trees and shrubs, Salt Cedar, shoreline, islands, open water, and adjacent fields of Chrysothamnus and Atriplex. Dozens of people showed up at the park, jogging, walking dogs, etc. A sheriff's deputy in a patrol car was stopping and asking questions regarding recent night-time break-ins in Antelope Valley parks. Maintenance workers operating noisy gas edgers were on the north side of the park. Otherwise, conditions were good for identifying bird vocalizations.

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 60 on lawns and in the water.

Ross' Goose 1 in the water with other domestic geese; also on land, showing same injury to the distal left tarsus (see previous survey notes)

Area Covered: I walked a counter-clockwise route around the lake meeting JF on the north side (after having taken a clockwise route around the park). Both of us continued a clockwise route back to the parking lot, stopping frequently to observe mostly landbirds in the Aleppo pines and adjacent Salt Cedar along the fenceline. Most of the landbirds were in the northeastern, eastern and southeastern sections, and were relatively sheltered from persistent WSW winds.A mixed species flock of migrants, including Orange-crowned Warbler, Black-throated Gray Warbler, Wilson's Warbler (JF) and Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, was found in the southeastern section of the park. Waterbirds were found mostly in the southern and central lakes, including assemblages of domestic geese with a Greater White-fronted Goose and Ross' Goose (the latter two individuals apparently permanent residents in the park - see previous notes).Ethan observed and noted birds around the main parking lot. A colony of Black-crowned Night Herons, previously numerous around the eastern islands, was not found today.

BIRDS NOTED

Canada Goose 70 one flock of 25 in the eastern section was flushed to the lake by a man with a dog; the other undisturbed in the central section.

Ross' Goose 1 with domestic Gray-lag geese. This apparently year-round resident at the park was limping with large tumor-like injury on the left distal tarsometatarsus

Greater White-fronted Goose 1 (ad) with domestic geese on the S shore, moving to the main lake. Apparently another permanent resident in the park.

Area Covered: I walked a clockwise route around the entire park, surveying lawns, Aleppo Pines, shoreline, open water, islands, and adjacent fields of saltbush (Atriplex spp.). About 50 people were in the park during the survey, picnicking, fishing ,walking; three L.A. County Sheriff patrol cars cruised slowly through the park on the narrow paved paths searching for something or someone. Conditions were otherwise good for finding birds. A few people were throwing bread crumbs to ducks along the southern shore. Of special interest was the continued occurrence of a Greater White-fronted Goose and Ross' Goose; both present in the park for at least the past 10 months, and apparently permanent residents, together with many other domestic waterfowl.

Area Covered: I walked around the entire park twice, first counter-clockwise, then clockwise, using a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera, surveying Aleppo Pine, lawns, shoreline (concrete), islands, open water and adjacent Saltbush fields (Alkali Mariposa Lily (Calachortus striatus) abundant and flowering in the northern fields). About 20 people were in the park during the survey, including maintenance crews cleaning up a large amount of trash left from the Memorial Day holiday yesterday. Paper plates, cups and napkins were scattered throughout the park, including the lake and shoreline; much of the debris had blown up against the eastern fence. Steady W winds made identification of bird vocalizations difficult, except in the relatively sheltered sections of the park along the fence lines. Migrant landbirds were not as abundant as in the most recent survey (May 19), yet the Aleppo Pines held several migrants, including Willow Flycatcher, Pacific Slope Flycatcher, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Western Wood Pewee, Warbling Vireo, Yellow-rumped Warbler and Western Tanager. All of the aforementioned species were foraging or attempting to forage on the swarms of dipterans around the pines.

Area Covered: Beginning at the main parking lot (S), I walked a counter-clockwise route on perimeter paths about 3/4 around the park and back. Using a binocular and DSLR camera, I surveyed Aleppo Pine, a few deciduous trees, lawns. shoreline, open water, islands and adjacent Atriplex - Chrysothamnus scrub with an abundance of flowering Alkali Mariposa Lily(Calochortus striatus). About 50 visitors and a few maintenance personnel were in the park during the survey. Conditions were excellent for identifying bird vocalizations. Large numbers of migrant landbirds, representing several species, were taking insects (abundant aerial dipterans) in and around the Aleppo pines. Most of the waterbirds were on islands and the eastern shorelines. A noisy group af adult and juvenile Black-crowned Night Herons appeared to be establishing a colony on an island in the NE section of the park.

40) House Sparrow 20 (m,f) around buildings; foraging on lawns and in adjacent fields.

MAY 5, 2010 (48 Species)

Weather: Fair; 62F; winds WNW 20-30 mph.

Time: 0715-0950 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked through the entire park twice, surveying shorelines, open water, lawns, Aleppo Pines and adjacent Atriplex shrubland, using a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera. Sprinklers were on in different parts of the park intermittently, resulting in a few detours. High winds created much movement and noise in the pines, reducing my ability to locate and identify birds. Nonetheless, a relatively high diversity of migrant landbirds was found today, particularly in the Aleppo Pines along the southern and eastern boundaries of the park. One new exotic species was added to the Apollo Park bird list, Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus), a common caged bird endemic to Australia (photo).

1) Canada Goose 50 (ad, imm) separate pairs of adults staying close to goslings of two age groups (photos). Successful breeding of this species in Apollo Park is now confirmed. Nesting evidently is occuring on the NE islands in the park..

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) with young of two diferent age classes. Apollo Park, May 5, 2010

24) Cockatiel 1 flying around NE lake; calls. landed on chain-link fence in NE (photo), allowing close approach and contact before flying off and calling, and landing on the roof of a nearby picnic shelter. This is the first record I know of for Cockatiel int Apollo Park.

46) House Finch 8 in Aleppo pines and foraging on lawns, E and S; calls and song.

47) Lawrence's Goldfinch 2 calls and song in Aleppo Pine, E (unseen).

48) House Sparrow 18 in and around buildings; nesting in tile roofs.

April 23, 2010 (38 Species)

Weather: Fair, 62 to 69F; winds 5-15 mph, W.

Time: 1437-1627 hrs; 1930-1941 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked slowly around the entire lake, surveying lawns, Aleppo pines, adjacent saltbrush scrub, shoreline, open water and aerial areas. Winds hampered observations of small passerines in the pines; About 100 people in the park during the survey, including many fishermen. Two unleashed dogs were running through the adjacent field on the E side. Fairly heavy air traffic at Fox Field. At dusk, I returned to observe about 15 Lesser Nighthawks flying around the SE island.

BIRDS NOTED

1) Canada Goose 35 small flocks scattered around the edges of the lake and on the islands.

2) Greater White-fronted Goose 1 (ad) swimming with Grey-lag geese near the main, S shore (photo). This appeared to be the same, semi-tame individual here since at least October 7, 2009. Note the complete white frontal marking.

Area Covered: From the crowded parking lot next to the main beach, we walked diagonally through the park, then counterclockwise along the N and W perimeter, surveying open water, shoreline, islands, pines, lawns and adjacent salt bush scrub. Although there was no special events (e.g. fishing derby) hundreds of people were in the park during our survey. Many waterbirds birds were either on the islands of in the middle of the lakes; some species probably escaped our attention.

Area Covered: I walked the perimeter and interior of the park, surveying shorelines, open water, pines, lawns and adjacent saltbush scrub. A few fishermen and walkers were in the park during the survey. Strong winds made detection of bird vocalizations relatively difficult.

Area Covered: Walked slowly from the parking lot and main beach, diagonally through the park to the E and N fence line and back, using binoculars. Surveyed open water, shoreline, lawns, pines and adjacent saltbush scrub. SE section of the park was not surveyed. Discussed possible student research projects (e.g. foraging behavior of ducks and cormorants). A few fishermen and other recreationists in the park during the surveys.

February 1, 2010 (31 Species)

Weather: Partly cloudy. 36 to 43F; no wind.

Time: 0900 - 1100 hrs.

Area Covered: After surveying the main S shore, I walked diagonal and peripheral transects in the park, surveying open water, shorelines, pines, lawns and adjacent saltbush scrub. A few fishermen, walkers with dogs and recreationists were using the park during the survey. Conditions were good for finding birds and hearing their vocalizations. I used a 10x42 binocular and DSLR camera.

BIRDS NOTED

1) Ross' Goose 1 sleeping on main beach (photo) with domestics. Probably the same individual found here on previous surveys.

2) Greater White-fronted Goose 1 resting on main beach; probably the same individual found here on previous surveys but now has a fully-developed white mark around the base of the bill (photo).

January 7, 2010 (23 Species)

Weather: Fair. 63 to 65F. no wind.

Time: 1255 -1400 hrs.

Area Covered: From the parking lot (S) walked diagonally through and around the entire park, surveying open water, shorelines, islands, pines and other exotic plantings, lawns and adjacent saltbush scrub. About 100 people using the park today for picnics, fishing, walking, recreation, etc. Conditions were poor for finding birds, particularly relatively shy species. Moderately heavy air traffic at Fox Field.

BIRDS NOTED

1) Canada Goose 30 walking among people on main beach and open water.

2) Greater White-fronted Goose 1 (imm) on shore with Greylags, S-central (looked like same individual that has been here since October, 2009).

3) Mallard (wild type) 150 ubiquitous on shorelines and in open water.

4) Domestic Mallard 25 scattered around the main beach and open water.

December 10, 2009 (25 Species)

Area Covered: I walked diagonally through the central section of the park, then returned around the western end to the main parking lot. Surveyed open water, shoreline, islands, lawns, pines and adjacent salt bush scrub, using a 10x40 binocular. About 50 people in the park and three workers riding lawn mowers on the north side. Many waterfowl resting on SE island.

November 16, 2009 (29 Species)

Weather: Fair, 28-30F; wind 0-1mph WNW.

Time: 0730-0900 hrs.

Area Covered: I walked slowly through the center of the park first, then the entire perimeter, surveying lawns, pines, open water, shoreline and adjacent saltbush scrub, using a 10x40 binocular and a DSLR camera. A few fishermen, walkers and joggers. The NE section was closed due to sprinkler icing of the benches, covers and trees. Conditions during the survey were good for detecting bird vocalizations and activity in the trees.

21) Loggerhead Shrike 1, flew low across roadway and into saltbush, across from Fox Field (Ave. G and 50th St. W).

22) Common Raven 2, flying over park.

23) Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 in pines, N; calls.

24) Cedar Waxwing 4-6?, calls from pines, NW (unseen).

25) European Starling 2 foraging on ground with BB; 10 on lawn next to Fox Field.

26) Yellow-rumped Warbler 6 calls from pines.

27) White-crowned Sparrow 6 N fence line under pines; calls.

28) Sage Sparrow 1 perched on saltbush, N field.

29) Brewer's Blackbird 20 foraging on ground and lawns, S.

30) House Sparrow 10 around buildings, S.

November 1, 2009 (25 Species)

Weather: Fair, 79F; no wind.

Time: 1500-1700 hrs.

Area Covered: Walked clockwise around the perimeter of the park, surveying pines, lawns, open water and adjacent fields of saltbush scrub, using a 10x40 binocular. About 150 people in the park this afternoon; several were throwing food (seeds and bread) to birds along the shoreline. The park is scheduled to be closed tomorrow (November 2-7) for maintenance. See October survey notes below.

October 21, 2009 (28 Species)

Weather: Fair, 75F; W wind 2-4mph.

Time: 1215- 1320 hrs.

Area Covered: From central part of parking lot, I walked diagonally throught the central section of the park to the north side, using a 10x40 binocular and DSLR camera. My primary goal was to find the bird seen last time as a possible Common Grackle, and make additional photographs. I was unsuccessful in this effort. During the search for this bird, I briefly surveyed the lawns, pines and open water of the park for birdlife. I made two circuits around the entire park. Many fishermen, walkers, runners and children were present, but conditions were good for finding birds. The majority of the bird species found in my most recent survey (October, 17: see notes below), was seen during this survey, in addition to three new species, Common Loon, Bufflehead and Tree Swallow. However, when compared with my survey of October 7, 2009, only about half of the total bird species was seen today (see notes below). Interestingly, although Great-tailed Grackles were abundant and conspicuous on October 7, none was found in the park today.

October 17, 2009 (35 Species)

Weather: Fair, 65 to 78F; wnw winds 0-2 mph.

Time : 0832 - 1115 hrs.

Observers: Ethan Yorke and I.

Area Covered: Basically the same survey area, methods and materials described for my previous visit to Apollo Park (October 7, 2009: see below). About 50 people using the park today for fishing, walking, picnicking, etc. Eastern and northern fence lines with Aleppo pines had the greatest diversity of migrant landbirds. Most of the waterbirds noted on October 7, were present again this morning. Before leaving the park, I returned to the SE corner to photograph (using a Nikon D3X with an 80-400 mm lense)a group of Brewer's blackbirds that contained one individual resembling an adult female Common Grackle (see photos and notes below). Subsequently, I studied a series of photos taken from different angles and positions, enlarged on a computer screen, and was reasonably certain that the bird shown was not a non-breeding (i.e. short-tailed) or immature Great-tailed Grackle, or a fall-variant Brewer's Blackbird.

24) Thrush (Catharus sp). 1: Uniform brownish-gray above, lighter below; no distinct facial markings (no conspicuous eye ring); heavily spotted breast with buffy edges; tail same color as back; Seen clearly but briefly, at a distance of about 30 feet, the bird's front and side profile,while it moved quickly in the shade of a small juniper shrub along the N-central fence line; a small drainage puddle nearby. The bird was not refound after 20 minutes of extended observations in this area.

33) Grackle (Quiscalus sp. ?) 1: foraging on lawn with Brewer's Blackbird; SE (photos). Appeared to be 20-30% larger than Brewer's Blackbird and smaller than a typical male Great-tailed Grackle (none found in the park today for comparison). Showed variegation (coppery banding) on back and glossy head and neck. Noted the bill was stouter than Brewer's Blackbird, yet shorter than a typical Great-tailed Grackle (see above photos). Somewhat problematic here is the fact that there were molting male Great-tailed Grackles found in the park on Oct. 7, 2009. Since none of those individuals was seen today, one must wonder if the bird in question is a recently molted, or partially molted, hybridized (BBx GTG), or otherwise aberrant male GTG.

34) House Finch 12: in Aleppo pines; fly, call, N.

35) Lesser Goldfinch 3-5: around pines N; calls/fly (unseen).

36) House Sparrow 20 (m,f) : around buildings and trees throughout the park; calls.

October 7, 2009 (55 Species)

Area Covered: Drove into Apollo County Park on 50th Street West (turning E, north of intersection with Avenue G) and parked in the western portion of the lot. Walked slowly, using a 10 x 40 binocular (later returning for a 25x scope to view birds on an island in the southeastern section) counter-clockwise around the entire park, stopping several times for extended observations in the shade along the eastern and northern fence lines. Continued NE through the central section of the park, turning E and revisiting the row of Aleppo pines and wet grass along the eastern fence line. Only a few walkers, fishermen and children in the playground areas this morning. The park was generally quiet and the weather quite pleasant for birding. Gnats and other small flying insects became active and conspicuous as the air temperature increased throughout the morning. Most of the waterbirds were found in the southern portion of the park. Landbirds were concentrated in the Aleppo pines, mainly along the eastern and northern fence lines. The adjacent salt bush scrub (Atriplex spp.)was also surveyed along the fence lines and seemed to hold the greatest density of birds at the edge of the park. Most of the birds found today were migrants, both regional (including altitudinal) and long-distance.